If you're a University of Sydney researcher looking for study volunteers, contact the Research Portfolio to have your study listed here.

Submissions relating to a research study advertisement for volunteers must be supported by the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) approval letter, please include it in your email to rp.comms@sydney.edu.au. It is your responsibility to ensure the content and its publication comply with your ethical approval.

Volunteer for research studies

We can't do research without your help.

If you'd like to get involved, the opportunities are available for recent studies and the below categories:

Artistic visualisation of the brainwave of meditators

Seeking participants for a short study of the meditation experience in an interactive environment.

The main aim of the study is visualizing the meditation experience. The brainwave data of meditators and non-meditators will be recorded to aid in the development of a digital artwork displaying creative visualization patterns (based on Buddhism) changing in response to brainwaves. The motivation behind the project is to inspire people of the benefits of meditation in helping to clear their minds and reduce stress.

Each session will take 60 minutes. During the session, participants will have your brainwave data recorded for a 10-minute period. Then they will be asked to fill in a questionnaire about internal experience. If anyone is interested, they can continue to participate in later studies of different prototypes in the series.

This study takes place with in the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning. Please contact Youngdong if you are interested or have any questions anout the project:

T 0424 670 424E ykim2720[at]uni.sydney.edu.au

Hearing Aid Wearers Needed to Volunteer for Research

This study examines how the need to continually refocus one's listening attention from person to person during a conversation impacts the ability to understand and recall what has been said. The experiment will take 2 to 3 hours and may be completed over one or more visits.

Investigating the emotional experiences of parents and stepparents

Researchers at the University of Sydney are conducting a study investigating the factors related to emotional wellbeing in parents and their partners.

It is hoped that this research will lead to the development of programs which aim to provide emotional support specifically to parents who experience emotional difficulties.

Being in this study is completely voluntary - you are not under any obligation to consent and - if you do consent - you can withdraw at any time without affecting your relationship with The University of Sydney. If you decide to participate, you will be asked to complete an online survey that you can complete on your home computer or on your smart phone. You will be asked questions about your emotional health, parenting experiences, your opinions about parenting, and demographic details. Completing the survey will take between 20-30 minutes. You will be able to save your responses and return to the survey to complete it over time, if you wish.

Are you afraid of rejection? Feel you've never really fitted in?

You are invited to participate in a study into the causes and nature of severe shyness. You may be eligible for this study if you:

Want to socialize more but feel held back by anxiety or fear of rejection

Get feelings of inferiority

Want to know more about your personality style

Dr Lisa Lampe is conducting research to better understand the nature and possible causes of Avoidant Personality Disorder - a condition that affects 1-2% of people and causes in-tense social anxiety, fear of rejection and humiliation, and leads to unwanted social isolation. To find out more about Avoidant Personality Disorder and the aims of the research, visit the Cade Clinic website.

Please note that this study does not offer treatment. Participants in this study may have their travel expenses reimbursed up to $20

Psychology study

Participants will take part in two studies.

In study 1, participants will be asked to participate in a brief webcam interaction with other students, and complete some short tasks and questionnaires.

In study 2, participants will be asked to fill out a series of questionnaires assessing their thoughts and feelings towards social groups.

The research will not exceed 1 hour. Participants will be compensated for their time. Please take this quick, 2-minute survey to check if you are eligible. If you are eligible and leave your contact details, we will contact you to schedule your participation.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The Brain & Mind Research Institute (BMRI) at the University of Sydney is conducting research into PTSD. We are looking to recruit 30 people who have a diagnosis of PTSD, and 30 people of the same age and gender who have experienced a traumatic event, but not developed PTSD.

Participation will involve attending the Brain & Mind Research Institute Camperdown for a total of 2-3 hours over one day. You will be required to undergo a 1 hour clinical assessment with one of our psychiatrists, and have a 1 hour brain scan (MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging).

If you would like more information regarding this study or are interested in participating, please contact: Ashleigh TickellE: ashleigh.tickell[at]sydney.edu.auT: +61 2 9114 4204 orDaniel O'DohertyE: daniel.odoherty[at]sydney.edu.auT: +61 2 9351 0714

Juvenile Bipolar Disorder

A brain imaging research project is being conducted by doctors and scientists investigating bipolar disorder in adolescents. The research is being conducted at the University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Research Institute.

Participation involves having an MRI brain scan whilst you are simultaneously completing several experimental tasks. The study goes for approximately one hour and does not involve any drugs or needles.

If you are between the ages of 12 and 18, and either have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or do not have any significant medical history we'd love to hear from you.

Mental Health Research with Kids

We are looking for children to participate in research about kids. To participate children must be: Confident, worry-free and easy-going; aged 8-12 and who have never sought help from a Mental Health Professional.

This study includes completing some questionnaires and coming to The University of Sydney for a 1.5 hour activity session. At the University parents and children will complete a range of activities and a brief interview. Participants will receive 2 movie vouchers for participating. For more information, please phone 9036 5037 or email Jo Dudeney(jdud5061[at]uni.sydney.edu.au).

Innovative binge eating disorder therapy

Do you overeat regularly? Are you overweight? Contact the University of Sydney research investigator Katie at kric8984[at]uni.sydney.edu.au or on 040 267 6186 for more information and to see if you are eligible for this study.

Participate in a condom study, men who have sex with men

This anonymous study aims to explore what men who have sex with men think and feel about accessing, carrying, negotiating, using, and disposing of condoms, and how this relates to sexual behaviour. The study also aims to see whether making plans to use condoms, and reminders of this plan, affect future condom use. The study is thought to be important to understanding how decisions to use or not use condoms are made in view of the availability or highly affective antiretroviral therapies to suppress HIV viral load. To access this study please click on the link below:Condom studyPlease feel free to forward the link to others who may be interested in participating. For more information or to be sent a link to the study, please contact Ben Andrew(band3675[at]uni.sydney.edu.au)

Participate in an online study of students’ academic behaviours, thoughts, and feelings

This study involves answering a number of questions about yourself and others via an online survey. You will be asked about such things as your behaviours, thoughts, and feelings in relation to your academic work, yourself, and your parents. Completing the online survey should take about 60 minutes.To read more about the study, and access the survey. Participation in this study is completely voluntary and if you choose to participate we cannot guarantee that you will receive any benefit from the study. This study is being conducted by a University of Sydney Psychology PhD student. If you choose not to participate, this will not affect your relationship with The University of Sydney. Please contact researcher Indako Clarke with any questions: icla6215[at]uni.sydney.edu.au

Death at Work: Improving Support for Families

The Ageing Work and Health Research Unit at the University of Sydney and the School of Management at the University of New South Wales are conducting a study investigating the consequences of workplace death for surviving family members. This world-first Australian Research Council funded study will pinpoint ways to improve support for partners and families following work-related tragedies. Results will be used to improve and better manage the consequences of work-related deaths for families.The research team is currently inviting participants to complete a survey about their experiences. If you are interested in participating, please click here to go to survey.Please forward the link to others who may be interested in participating in this important research.If you would like more information or would like the survey in hard-copy format, please call 0415 898 398 or email Lynda Matthews(lynda.matthews[at]sydney.edu.au)

Do you take puffers for your asthma?

This study is looking at imaging the lungs of asthmatic subjects before and after a period of standard asthma puffer treatment. The study involves six visits in total and is generously reimbursed. Study visits take place at either Royal North Shore Hospital in St Leonards or Macquarie University Hospital in North Ryde - both sites are located on railway lines with frequent service. The aim of this study is to examine the changes in lung reactivity after standard puffer treatment using state-of-the-art lung imaging.For more information and to get involved contact : Jessica Damecarroll(jessica.damecarroll[at]woolcock.org.au) Ph: 02 9463 2929

Personality, Privacy and Motivations for using Instagram

Do you use Instagram?This study explores the role of personality factors, privacy concerns and personal motivation in the use of Instagram. Participants are invited to complete a 30 minute online survey for a chance to win one of five gift vouchers.To participate in the survey and view the Participant Information Statement, please click hereFor further information, please contact Dr Melanie Nguyen(melanie.nguyen[at]sydney.edu.au)

Do you have an anxious or nonanxious child aged 8-17?

Children and adolescents aged 8-17 who experience problems with anxiety are needed to participate in a research study examining thinking styles. We are also looking for children and adolescents who do not have anxiety problems. Children will be asked to complete a short interview and a simple sorting task. One parent will also be asked to complete a short telephone interview. Children will receive a movie voucher for participating in the study. For further information please contact Sharlene Mantz at the University of Sydney (0416 890 595; sharlene.mantz[at]sydney.edu.au).

Self-selected music and gambling behaviour

The School of Psychology is conducting a study investigating the relationships between self-selected music and gambling behavior. Self-selected music is defined as the music that you actively choose to accompany gambling.

Study examining thinking styles in young people

Do you have an anxious OR non-anxious child aged 8-17?

Children and adolescents aged 8-17 who experience problems with anxiety are needed to participate in a research study. We are also looking for children and adolescents who do not have anxiety problems.

Children will be asked to complete a short interview and a simple sorting task. One parent will also be asked to complete a short telephone interview.

Children will receive a movie voucher for participating in the study. For further information please email Sharlene Mantz(sharlene.mantz[at]sydney.edu.au) or call 0416 890 595

Children with ADHD required for study aiming to improve play and social skills

Researchers from the disciplines of Occupational Therapy and speech Pathology are looking for children with ADHD aged 6-11 years to participate in a novel, play-based intervention that aims to improve their social, play and communication skills.

Effects of antidepressants on emotional experiences in depression sufferers

The Department of Psychiatry at Westmead Hospital is currently conducting a research study on the effects of antidepressant medications on emotional experiences.If you are aged 18 to 65 and are currently suffering from depression, you may be eligible to participate in this nationwide study.

Eligible study participants will receive all antidepressant medications and study-related care from the study psychiatrist at no cost for the study duration (7 months).

If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact the Study Coordinator on 9845 5967 or by email(melissa.hulme[at]sydney.edu.au).

Does your social life concern you?

We are trying to understand what the social life in young adults with high-functioning autism or Asperger's syndrome looks like and if they wish it were different.

The participants will carry an iPod Touch/ iPhone to respond to a short survey 7 times each day for a week.

If you are between 16 and 45 years with an ASD and interested in this study, please contact Ryan Chen(yu-wei.chen[at]sydney.edu.au)

Do you have an Autism Spectrum Disorder or know someone who does?

A team of researchers based at the Brain and Mind Research Institute are carrying out studies focused on the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders. These studies involve a variety of activities including diagnostic assessments, group and individual therapy, and medical treatments like Oxytocin.

If you are interested in learning more or participating in one of these studies, please consider filling in this survey (which will take around 15 minutes) to become part of our research register, so we can contact you when we are conducting a study you might be suitable for. For more information please contact Lisa Whittle(lisa.whittle[at]sydney.edu.au)

Study of social interactions

Participants in this study will be asked to take part in a brief social interaction with another volunteer. You will also complete some short questionnaires and computerised tasks.

The study is on the Camperdown campus and will take around 1 hour. You will be compensated for your time.

Free treatment for men with depressive symptoms and sleeping difficulties

The SOMNA Study is a clinical trial looking to recruit men aged 50 years and over who are experiencing symptoms of depression and insomnia. The study involves free psychiatric assessment, individualised care plans and treatment for participants.

Whilst receiving treatment for their mood, participants will also be randomised to complete one of two internet programs, each lasting nine weeks and each focusing on sleep problems and insomnia.

The study is being conducted by the Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney. It will commence in March 2013 and recruitment will extend over 12 months. The study is funded by beyondblue: the national depression and anxiety initiative and The Movember Foundation.

Weight Loss

Female volunteers needed: Young women, health and weight management

Researchers at the University of Sydney are seeking volunteers to participate in the Young Women, Health and Weight Management study. This study aims to look at weight loss techniques used by young women, and barriers for young women participating in weight loss research programs.

The study involves attendance at a single 1 to 1.5 hour focus group session at one of two Sydney locations of your choice (Camperdown or Lidcombe), Charles Sturt University in Bathurst, or via teleconference. During this session, you will have the opportunity to outline what weight loss techniques have and haven’t worked for you in the past, discuss your attitudes to weight management, and put forward ideas about how to design better weight loss programs for research studies.

We are looking for healthy women who are:

18-35 years

Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher*

Non-smokers

Fluent in English

Eligible participants who complete the study will receive a Coles Myer gift card.

If you're interested in participating or would like to learn more about the study, feel free to contact Helen Parker on 0434 362 515 or h.parker[at]sydney.edu.au.

Female volunteers needed: The FOOD, MOOD & MIND STUDY

Researchers at the University of Sydney are seeking volunteers to participate in the FOOD, MOOD & MIND STUDY. This study aims to look at how food and nutrients like iron and zinc can influence mood and brain function in young women.

The study involves two sessions at one of two Sydney locations of your choice (Camperdown or Lidcombe). During one of these sessions, you will get to play 'brain games' on a touch screen computer which measures your brain power.

If you're interested in participating or would like to learn more about the study, feel free to contact Helen Parker on 0434 362 515 or via email(h.parker[at]sydney.edu.au). Like our page on facebook.

What is the most accurate way to estimate portion sizes?

Research investigating how our diet affects our health relies on accurate information about what and how much (portion size) people eat – yet the most accurate way for people to estimate how much they eat is not known!

The PREVIEW Study Australia: Prevention of diabetes through lifestyle intervention

Are you overweight? Do you lose weight but have trouble keeping it off?

If so, you could have ‘pre-diabetes’.

Professor Jennie Brand-Miller from the University of Sydney is looking for volunteers to take part in a free weight loss and weight maintenance program to help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

This international study provides help from dietitians and your medical progress is fully monitored for 3 years.

This is a new approach to weight control without the use of medications.

If you are between the ages of 25 and 70 and would like to be considered please Call or SMS (0434 751 015), Or email(smb.preview[at]sydney.edu.au), or visit our webpage

Travel to work or study in Sydney

Help researchers know more about the health impacts of travelling by public transport compared to by car.

You will be asked to:

Perform a standardised trip either by walking, car* or bus from Cumberland Campus to Lidcombe train station

Wear small sensors to record physiological and environmental data

Perform physiological testing and complete questionnaires

*You must have access to a car and a valid Australian Drivers Licence.

The TEMPO Diet Trial – fast or slow weight loss, which is better?

For many years health professionals have recommended ‘slow and steady’ weight losses of approximately 0.1 to 1 kilo per week. In recent years however, an increasing number of health professionals are prescribing meal replacement diets called very low energy diets (VLEDs) because they can induce relatively fast weight losses of approximately 0.5 to 2 kilos per week, which some people find motivating, and because some people report not feeling hungry while following a VLED.

While VLEDs are known to be safe and effective in the short-term (for up to one year), the long-term consequences are unknown. This study will demonstrate whether or not there is any difference between the effects of weight loss via VLED or conventional diet on metabolic health, body fat content and distribution, muscle mass and strength, and bone density in post-menopausal women for 3 years after commencement of the diet.

Recruitment for the TEMPO Diet Trial is currently underway. If you are interested in participating in this trial and are female, living in the Sydney metropolitan area, aged 45-65, postmenopausal for 5 years or more, are non-diabetic and you have a body mass index (BMI*) of 30 to 40 kg/m2, you may be eligible for this study. (How to calculate your BMI).

To participate, you must be aged between 29 and 59 with a body mass index (BMI) > 25. To participate or for more information, contact Shelley Keating on 0405 735 200 or email(shelley.keating[at]sydney.edu.au)

Volunteers with type 2 diabetes

PhD student Fiona Atkinson, from the School of Molecular Bioscience, is currently recruiting individuals with type 2 diabetes aged 18 years or over for a research study looking at the effect of genes on carbohydrate digestion.

Participation in the study would involve one visit where volunteers will provide one fasting blood sample, one saliva sample and a three-day food record. The total time commitment would be approximately 20 minutes.

If you are interested in finding out more about the study, please email Fiona Atkinson(fiona.atkinson[at]sydney.edu.au).

Could a testosterone boost help you avoid type 2 diabetes?

Are you male? Aged 50-74? Why not join our new study into testosterone and type 2 diabetes.

You will receive free access to Weight Watchers plus either testosterone or placebo for 2 years.

For more information, please contact our research nurse at Concord Hospital on 9767 7222 or t4dm[at]anzac.edu.au. Or visit www.t4dm.org.au.

Cancer

Healthy volunteers needed to donate blood to cancer research

An important part of cancer research involves the identification of genes and proteins associated with specific cancer types (called cancer biomarkers). These can be discovered by analysing cancer cells growing in the laboratory, or by comparing blood samples from cancer patients with those from healthy people.

The Kolling Institute Tumour Bank is looking for volunteers to donate 20mls of blood which will be used by researchers to compare with blood from patients diagnosed with cancer, helping us find new treatments, earlier methods of diagnosis, and causes of cancer.

We are looking for volunteers who:

We are looking for volunteers who:

Have not previously donated to our bank

Are over the age of 18

Have not had cancer

Have not been hospitalised in the last 6 months

In addition to your donation of blood, we also ask you to fill out a brief medical history and sign a consent form. To protect your privacy, all samples and medical history information are de-identified.

If you are interested in participating, please contact the tumour bank office:T: 9926 4771E: graham.wilkins[at]sydney.edu.au to arrange a time convenient for you.

Feedback on a breast cancer rehab survey

Have you been treated for breast cancer in the last 5 years? If so, we would like to invite you to assist in pilot testing a survey that explores what rehabilitation services you received for physical problems and issues arising from treatment for your breast cancer.

We request that you attend a single session at Camperdown Campus where you will be asked to complete the survey. This will take approximately 20 minutes. After completion of the survey, you and the other women who have volunteered will be asked to discuss whether there were any ambiguities in the questions and whether there are other questions which should have been included. The discussion will be audio-taped to allow the researchers to review information discussed.

If you are interested in participating, please contact the Breast Cancer Research Group (9036 7309) or via email: fhs.bcrg[at]sydney.edu.au

Truce: A group program for young people who have a parent with cancer

Are aged between 14 and 22 and have a parent or caregiver with cancer? CanTeen has a FREE program called Truce to help develop coping skills for life.

We are evaluating a 7 week face-to-face group program called Truce, which aims to help young people cope better with having a parent or caregiver with cancer.

Truce uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and helps you deal with difficult thoughts and feelings, better communicate with others (especially family) and live your life based on your values.

Sessions begin in April (Sydney CBD, Parramatta, Casula). For more information visit the Truce website or contact the CanTeen research team on 1800 243 007 or by email(truce[at]canteen.org.au)

Sleep

Volunteers needed for a sleep comfort study

We are looking for participants in a study on the effect of pillow type on sleep quality and musculoskeletal symptoms.

You may be eligible for this study if you:

are aged between 20-65 years old.

are experiencing neck/shoulder muscle pain/stiffness.

do not have sleep disorders or leg movement disorders

do not have a history of cervicothoracic spine injury, surgery or are currently receiving treatment for neck symptoms.

The study is conducted at the University of Sydney (Cumberland Campus, Lidcombe), and it involves 4 night visits to the sleep laboratory to collect data. Anyone interested should contact Mr Pei-te Huang on 0452 488 288 or phua2572[at]uni.sydney.edu.au for more information and to arrange an appointment.

Tell us about your sleep habits and neck pain

You are eligible to take part in the survey if you are between18-65 years old of either gender. Complete 8-10 minute survey and be entered into a draw for a chance to win a 1st prize of $200 cash, or one of five minor cash prizes of $25 each. The prize draw will be drawn on 15th October 2014 and the prize winners will be announced one week later.

Learning, experience and satisfaction

Interested in music and exercise?

Do you want an entry into a prize draw for a chance to win a $300 Coles Group & Myer Gift Card or one of eight $50 Coles Group & Myer Gift Cards?

Are you over the age of 13? Do you have a spare 10-15 minutes?

Simply complete our 10-15 minute survey on the use of music during structured and unstructured physical activity for an entry into the prize draw (closes 17:00 AEST Friday 26 June 2015).

Seeking participants from creative areas for workshop on bodily creativity

Do you consider yourself as a creative person? Are you a professional from creative areas such as visual arts, design and others?

Would you like to explore potential new ways to stimulate your creativity?

You are invited to participate in a workshop on Object-oriented Focusing Bodystorming, as part of the research project The Felt Sense Project. This workshop investigates how the body can be as meaningful as the mind to inspire creativity. By means of this study, we will unravel a new design methodology that uses bodily perception as a source of inquiry.

This study involves reflecting on objects from a body/mind perspective. The workshop consist on different activities, such as induction, group exercises in imagery, a brief written report describing the experience (one page) and a brief focus group interview. It's estimated that the entire activity will take approximately 100 minutes.

This research is being conducted by Dr. Lian Loke and PhD Candidate Claudia Nunez-Pacheco. Please contact Claudia at cnun1661[at]uni.sydney.edu.au for more information.

Dietary and physical activity data access survey

Do you use a smartphone app or other health tracking device (e.g. FitBit)? We'd love to hear about what health and fitness apps you use and your attitudes towards sharing the data collected by apps with researchers. Complete the survey and go into the draw to win a $200 iTunes or Google Play voucher! The survey closes on 19 November 2014.

International student students from Europe

Postgraduate coursework students from Europe are invited to participate in a research study that will explore your experiences about university life in Australia.

Your opinions about the academic system and the social and cultural aspects of study in Australia are important as you are an integral part of the postgraduate learning community at the University of Sydney.

Your viewpoints can assist in creating a better university experience for future international students from Europe.

Please contact Marguerite Biasatti for further information by phone on 0417694961 or via email(mbiasatti[at]uni.sydney.edu.au)

Survey on sexually explicit websites use, attitudes and behaviour

We are interested in your experiences with sexually explicit (pornographic) website use, as well as your sexual behaviours and attitudes. The study involves filling out a brief online survey, which will ask questions about the sorts of websites you visit, your relationships, sexual behaviours and attitudes. The survey is voluntary, anonymous and confidential.

To participate in this study, you must be over 18, be fluent in written and spoken English and be living in Australia. Please note: you do not need to have used sexually explicit websites in order to participate. To begin there are two surveys which you may complete. Survey one asks about (sexual attitudes & behaviours and Survey two focuses on safe sex.

Sexual Orientation Beliefs Study

We are conducting a study at the University of Sydney investigating the beliefs that same-sex attracted people hold about the nature and origins of their sexual orientation.

You are invited to participate if you are same-sex attracted, aged 18 years and over, and a resident of Australia. Participation involves the completion of an online survey and will take approximately 20-30 minutes.

Your participation is entirely voluntary and your responses will remain anonymous and confidential. If you are interested in participating in this study please fill out our online survey.

Adolescents and a parent or caregiver are needed for study

If you have a son or daughter aged 11-13, then the Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre is interested in what you and your child have to say about HPV vaccination.

It does not matter if your child has had the HPV vaccine. Dr Cooper would like to ask you questions about HPV and the HPV vaccine.

Your answers will be used to develop of a decision-making tool for young people and their parents to use together, to help them make a decision about HPV vaccination. You will be reimbursed for travel.

If you or anyone you know is interested in this study, please fill in this form or contact Hayden Fletcher(hfle5773[at]uni.sydney.edu.au).

Other diseases and conditions

Healthy volunteers for nerve and muscle study

The purpose of this study is to understand the mechanisms underlying neuromuscular disease, with a possibility of improving current treatments. We are seeking healthy subjects to compare with patients with nerve injury and degeneration.

If you agree to participate in this study you will be asked to undergo a number of non invasive assessments over 2 – 3 hours. The studies will be performed at the ForeFront Research Clinic on Level 4 of the Brain and Mind Research Institute.

If you are interested in taking participating please contact Eleanor Ramsey

Do you have Chronic Low Back Pain?

Have you noticed that your mood changes when your pain gets worse?

Our research team is exploring the relationship between back pain and mood and trialling a novel treatment approach for people with chronic low back pain.

This trial is combining two therapies known to improve outcomes for people with low back pain; chiropractic and cognitive behavioural therapy.

To qualify for this treatment trial you:

Have had low back pain lasting more than 3 months (but not sought treatment within the last 12 weeks)

Can travel to Leichhardt in NSW for chiropractic treatment

Have access to the internet at home or work

Are able to attend up to 8 weeks for chiropractic treatment

Are willing to fill in questionnaires at the start and at 12 month follow up.

You will not be reimbursed for your time in this trial. There are costs associated with the chiropractic treatment component of this study. Private Health fund rebates can be accessed at the time of your trial through HICAPS, therefore requiring only a gap payment.

If you are interested and would like further information please contact John Petrozzi 02 9518 0096 or email John on mpet9893[at]uni.sydney.edu.au

Do you know someone else who suffers from chronic low back pain?If so, you could send this information to any friends or family members who suffer from low back pain.

Mobile technology and childhood apraxia of speech

Can a Smartphone Application deliver effective, intensive speech therapy for children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech/Dyspraxia?

Children with dyspraxia or childhood apraxia of speech have speech difficulties which can impact on their literacy, social and academic skills.

Research has shown that intensive treatment and practice is beneficial, however, motivating and engaging children to participate in practice tasks can be challenging. We are looking into the development of an electronic tablet based tool to help children enjoy and complete intensive therapy.

We are looking for children who:

Have dyspraxia or Childhood Apraxia of Speech

Are 4-12 years of age

Understand what is said to them

Have normal or adjusted hearing

Have normal or adjusted vision

Speak English

Have no other developmental diagnoses

What does the study involve?

Assessment of your child’s speech and language skills

Audio and video recording of your child’s speech and language

12 x 1 hour treatment sessions over 3 weeks

A questionnaire regarding usability of the tablet

3-4 follow up assessments after treatment

No cost

If your child meets these criteria and you would like to be involved, then we would like to hear from you.

Speech characteristics of children with Velocardiofacial Syndrome

We are investigating the speech characteristics of children with Velocardiofacial Syndrome (VCFS). If your child is aged between 4-12 years old, and has VCFS without cleft lip or palate, you are welcome to participate in our study!

Parents: Your child will undergo a comprehensive speech assessment (up to 1.5 hours). The assessment will be conducted at the Communication Disorders Treatment and Research Clinic (CDTRC) at Lidcombe. There will be no charge for the assessment and you will be reimbursed for travelling expenses.

Please contact Lavinia Teo at kteo1748[at]uni.sydney.edu.au or 0424 895 789 or Dr Tricia McCabe at tricia.mccabe[at]sydney.edu.au if you would like to participate in this study or have any questions.

Do you have pain and swelling in your knee most days due to osteoarthritis?

Royal North Shore Hospital rheumatologists are looking for people aged from 35 to 74 to test whether a new experimental drug can help your pain and have an effect on the progression of your knee arthritis.

The study would require regular visits to the hospital over a 12 month course.

Participants will be reimbursed up to $50 per visit for travel expenses.

For more information please contact the Study Coordinator, Tanya Fedorova on 02 9463 1774 or tatyana.fedorova[at]sydney.edu.au

This study has been approved by the Northern Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee, reference: HREC/14/HAWKE/168

Volunteers needed for jaw muscle research

We are looking for participants in a study to determine changes in muscle activity and movement after acute experimental pain.

You may be eligible for this study if you:

are aged between 18-50 years old

are not pregnant

are not experiencing ongoing pain

do not have any history of jaw joint or jaw muscle pain, high blood pressure, muscular skeletal pain disorders , medications for chronic disease or other medications that might influence response to pain.

If you choose to take part, you would be asked to participate in a short clinical interview, complete a few questionnaires, and participate in a short experiment. The study may involve one or two sessions. It is estimated that your participation will take 2-3 hours.

Please note that this study does not offer treatment. If you would like more information or have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact:

Dr Kavitha HarendrababuT 0426261974E khar7511[at]uni.sydney.edu.au

Do you use health and fitness apps on your phone? Participate in our survey

Do you use a smartphone app or other health tracking device (eg. FitBit)? We'd love to hear about what health and fitness apps you use and your attitudes towards sharing the data collected by apps with researchers.

Healthy volunteers for vestibular migraine study

You are invited to participate in our study, which is investigating the impact of vestibular migraine. People with vestibular migraine experience symptoms such as vertigo, unsteadiness, and dizziness, and some also experience migraine headache.

We need people who have never experienced migraine headache, or vestibular dysfunction to participate in our study to help us to better understand the challenges/difficulties of living with vestibular migraine. If you choose to take part, you would be asked to participate in a short clinical interview, complete two questionnaires, and complete a computer-based task that assesses attention.

The study will take no longer than an hour to complete and you will be compensated for your time with a double adult movie pass.

If you are interested in participating please phone Ingrid on 9036 7855 or email ingrid.mcphee@sydney.edu.au(ingrid.mcphee[at]sydney.edu.au.).

The St George Dermatology and Skin Cancer Centre in conjunction with Centenary Institute is undertaking a study examining the use of whey proteins on atopic dermatitis (eczema).

It involves attending fortnightly visits, completing a questionnaire and providing a blood sample for 8 weeks. Your skin is examined regularly by a clinician at a specialist dermatology practice. We would like to talk to you if you are:

aged 18-55

Have mild to moderate eczema

Not receiving any current topical or oral therapy

Participants receive free regular consultations overseen by a dermatologist as part of the research.

For more information please call 02 9587 4277 or email Eczema Study(eczemastudy[at]gmail.com) or Philip Tong(philip.tong[at]sydney.edu.au). Like our page on Facebook

Can cryotherapy improve recovery from muscle damage?

We seek Male participants, aged 18-35 with no injuries, medication, or supplements to undertake cryotherapy (the safe exposure to very cold temperature for only 3 minutes).

Participants have to visit the exercise facility (NSW Institute of Sport) on 5 occasions.

All visits include muscle function testing and blood samples. Participants will be reimbursed $100 for their time and travel

For more information contact Catriona Rose(cros4307[at]uni.sydney.edu.au)

Healthy volunteers for multiple sclerosis study

The study will investigate the development of cognitive impairment (decline in thinking and memory) and damage to gray matter in patients with multiple sclerosis over a 24-month period. The study also aims to develop new imaging biomarkers of brain injury and repair in multiple sclerosis.

Volunteers will be healthy controls in the study. Volunteers will be followed up for 2 years in total and will commit to 4 visits as part of the study (baseline, 6 months, 12 months and 24 months).

A series of tests will be performed at each visit including: a blood test, an MRI scan of the brain, a physical examination (non-invasive), a specialised eye test, and a series of concentration and memory tests. All tests will be carried out by trained professionals.

It is estimated that 3 of the visits will take 5-6 hours and one of the visits will take 3 hours.

How do you feel about your medicines?

An individual’s medicine use will change with time and involve starting as well as stopping medicines. We are interested in how older people feel about their medicines and having changes made to their medicines. We believe that this will provide us with information to better manage individuals and their medicines in the future.Participating in this research will involve filling out an anonymous questionnaire. It will take about 15 minutes to complete.

To be eligible you need to be:

at least 65 years old

taking at least 1 long term prescription medicine

Complete the questionnaire onlineOR for a paper copy with reply paid envelope to be sent to you, contact Dr Emily ReevePhone: 02 9926 4924E-mail: emily.reeve@sydney.edu.au

How do you feel about the medicines that the person you care for takes?

An individual’s medicine use will change with time and involve starting as well as stopping medicines. We are interested in how carers feel about their care recipient’s medicines and having changes made to their medicines. We believe that this will provide us with information to better manage individuals and their medicines in the future.

Participating in this research will involve filling out an anonymous questionnaire. It will take about 15 minutes to complete.

To be eligible you need to be a non-paid carer for a family member or friend who is:

at least 65 years old

taking at least 1 long term prescription medicine

the person you care for can live in their own home, in your home or in a residential care facility

Complete the questionnaire onlineOR for a paper copy with reply paid envelope to be sent to you, contact Dr Emily ReevePhone: 02 9926 4924E-mail: emily.reeve@sydney.edu.au

Injured in a road crash in the last 28 days?

The FISH study – Factors influencing social and health outcome after a land transport injury

We know that injuries can affect many aspects of a person’s life, including physical health, participation in activities and general well being. Some people seem to recover from their injuries faster or more completely than others. We are keen to understand the factors associated with good outcomes. The results of this research will be used to better help those recovering from injuries in the future.

Your participation involves completing a 45 minute telephone interview sometime during the first 28 days of the injury, followed by a 20 minute interview at 6, 12 and 24 months.

If you would like more information or have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us: fish.study@sydney.edu.au(:fish.study[at]sydney.edu.au)

How migraine and other headaches types change over time

We are seeking volunteers with migraine or other recurrent headaches to participate in a study investigating differences between migraine and other headache types.

Participants will attend one assessment session, after which they will fill out an online headache diary for 6 months. The assessment comprises an interview to determine the features of headache and a series of clinical tests to be conducted by a physiotherapist to measure the mobility and muscle function of the neck, including ultrasound imaging. Testing will take a maximum of 1.5 hours and will be conducted at either the Cumberland Campus of The University of Sydney on 75 East Street, Lidcombe or in a private physiotherapy clinic in the city (Sydney Specialist Physiotherapy Centre, Level 1, 50 York St. Sydney). We are seeking participants who have access to internet using a computer or a mobile phone. Your involvement will help us better understand migraine and other headache types and make better clinical decisions in their management.

If you are interested in taking part in the study or seek further information, please contact: Maria Eliza Aguilamaria.aguila@sydney.edu.auTel. 9351 9010 (Faculty of Health Sciences) Andrew Leaverandrew.leaver@sydney.edu.au Tel. 9351 9545 (Faculty of Health Sciences)

Low back pain studies

Have you experienced chronic low back pain for 3 months or more?

Would you like help to identify those aspects of your low back pain that are most troubling to you, and explore solutions to these problems?

This study involves 5 individual consultations of approximately 1/2 hour over a two month period.

Healthy volunteers required to have arms and legs measured

We are seeking healthy men and women volunteers to have their arms and legs measured to determine what is a normal inter-limb circumference and volume difference.

A possible consequence of surgery when lymph nodes are removed or damaged is lymphoedema, which is a chronic and permanent swelling. With early detection, we are better able to manage and treat lymphoedema. Unfortunately it is currently unknown what an abnormal inter-limb difference is, making early detection more difficult.

Interested volunteers will have the arms and legs measured using a number of tools. Participation will take no more than 30 minutes.

If you would like to know more about the study, please contact Elizabeth Dylke at 9351 9021 or email elizabeth.dylke[at]sydney.edu.au

Speech therapy for Childhood Apraxia of Speech (Verbal Dyspraxia)

Is speech therapy for effective when provided over the internet? We know that intensive face – to – face treatment is effective for children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech, and want to know whether treatment via the internet is also effective. We’re looking for children aged 5 – 12 with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (Verbal Dyspraxia), who have no other developmental diagnoses and have a home computer, broadband internet, a web-cam and land-line phone. For more information please see the attached flyerContactIf you want to know more or are interested intaking part, please contact:Donna Thomas Speech Pathologist Donna.thomas@sydney.edu.au(Donna.thomas[at]sydney.edu.au) or 9351 9866 orDr Tricia McCabeSpeech Pathologisttricia.mccabe@sydney.edu.au(tricia.mccabe[at]sydney.edu) or 9351 9747

Volunteer for the Open Source Malaria consortium

The Open Source Malaria (OSM) consortium, founded by A/Prof Matthew Todd in the School of Chemistry, is aimed at discovering new medicines to treat malaria using open source principles: all data and ideas are shared online, anyone may take part and there will be no patents. Their latest newsletter may be downloaded [here]. The project is looking for volunteers to help in 3 ways:1) Making molecules in the lab - if you are a science student with some lab experience, talk to Mat Todd about volunteering to help make new drug candidates.2) If you like science writing, there are lots of ways to help maintain the project wiki, by folding in the latest experimental developments and helping to write research papers.3) If you like science popularization, the consortium is looking for people to help with spreading the word about the project through social media, and to write popular articles about what the consortium has discovered.For more information contact : Associate Professor Matthew Todd

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Chronic Low Back Pain study

The Pain Management Research Institute and Department of Gastroenterology, Royal North Shore Hospital are undertaking a study aiming to improve the assessment of pain in people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP). Healthy volunteers and people with IBS or CLBP are invited to take part in a three hour study involving non-invasive testing of sensation. $120 is offered as partial reimbursement for time and travel. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Dr Paul Wrigley at drpaulwrigley[at]gmail.com or call 02 9926 4960.

Animal behaviour

Wanted: dog owers

Volunteers are wanted to help with validation of the Australian Canine Behaviour Survey.

After completing the online survey, you set a video camera and record your dog for 30-40 minutes from when you leave the house. This will enable us to compare your survey answers with your dog's behaviour when left alone.

Anyone happy to be involved can email Dianediane.vr@sydney.edu.au or phone 0423 087 823.

Owners of Labradors & Golden Retrievers

Volunteers are wanted to help with a study into the genetics of separation distress in dogs. Both affected dogs and controls are needed.

You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire to assist the study in determining if your dog will be helpful to the research. Depending on your responses you may also be asked for a DNA sample (saliva swab).

Anyone happy to be involved can email Diane(diane.vr[at]sydney.edu.au) at or phone 0423 087 823.